The Harp of Erin Containing the Poetical Works of the Late Thomas Dermody. In Two Volumes |
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A FRAGMENT OF
PETRONIUS ARBITER.
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 | The Harp of Erin |  |
96
A FRAGMENT OF PETRONIUS ARBITER.
IMITATED.
Omnia quæ miseras
possunt finire querelas,
In promptu voluit candidus esse Deus:
Vile olus, et duris hærentia mora rubetis,
Pugnantis stomachi composuere famem.
Flumine vicino stultus sitit; et riget Euro,
Cum calidus tepido consonat igne rogus.
Lex armata sedet circum fera limina nuptæ,
Nil metuit licito fusa puella toro.
Quod satiare potest, dives natura ministrat;
Quod docet infrænis gloria, fine caret.
In promptu voluit candidus esse Deus:
Vile olus, et duris hærentia mora rubetis,
Pugnantis stomachi composuere famem.
Flumine vicino stultus sitit; et riget Euro,
Cum calidus tepido consonat igne rogus.
Lex armata sedet circum fera limina nuptæ,
Nil metuit licito fusa puella toro.
Quod satiare potest, dives natura ministrat;
Quod docet infrænis gloria, fine caret.
What Nature needs, would wretched man be wise,
Nature herself commodiously supplies.
The vilest herb keen hunger will not scorn,
Nor slight the berry blushing on the thorn.
Lo! he complains of thirst with fainting sigh,
Though elemental nectar murmurs nigh;
Or shivers in the biting northern wind,
Though a whole crackling forest flames behind,
Perpetual horrors haunt his jealous head,
Yet willing beauties wooe him to their bed.
Abundant nature hears the frugal call,
But wild ambition is in want of all.
| The Harp of Erin | |